Shanti Lodge was a serendipitous find in Bangkok. Both Kim (the owner of the hostel) and I were using Airbnb for the first time and that probably lead me to have the impression that I would be staying at a home and not at a hostel (for instance, when I first wrote to her, the description on the site said "Hosted by Shanti" and I actually addressed the message to 'Shanti' !!)
But having said that, my stay at Shanti Lodge was very comfortable. I was given a room upgrade for the same price (as a first timer on Airbnb) so instead of a dorm, we stayed in a private room with an attached bath.
What captured us as we entered the hostel is the beauty that surrounded us, plants, artwork, mosaic on walls and of course a warm and genuinely helpful host.
The restaurant attached to the hostel has a very wide variety of food items on the menu... to satiate the Western palate as well as if you should want to try the Thai cuisine. The prices are on the higher side though.
I recommend this hostel for its hippie feel and for the sheer beauty in the way the place is done up.
Kim was helpful and efficient as were the staff. I was allowed a 1 hour late check out.

Thank you Shanti Lodge. I wish you the best.